New Peugeot 308 rumoured to go hybrid

KUALA LUMPUR: It was three years back when Peugeot introduced the refreshed 308, and now we see the hatch showing age again. What’s more important is the fact that the Europen market is currently flooded with new and more attractive cars, like Ford Focus, VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, and others. Thus, prompting the French automaker to introduce a facelift quickly. Also, as per reports, the new 308 should arrive by the end of 2021 or in early 2022.

Significant changes are on the cards for the 308 - as per Autocar. Its report suggests that the hatch will be based on an updated version of the PSA’s EMP2 platform, also underpinning the current 308. The regular trims of the car are said to receive electrified and more efficient engines, but it was the hybridized performance trim that caught our attention.

According to Autocar’s report, the range-topping trim of the new 308 will benefit from a three-motor setup. It will run on a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, supported by two electric motors - one on each axle. So, a similar layout, as seen in the 3008 PHEV. The upcoming 308 is said to get more than 300 hp of power along with an all-wheel-drive to go up against the next VW Golf R that is expected to be hybrid as well, and others.

New 308 performance will be taken care of by the newly formed Peugeot Sport Engineered division. The car will also receive bigger brakes and stiffer suspension setup. It won’t get the GTI badge, as it will remain limited only to a hot hatchback based on the new 208.

As far as the regular models in Peugeot’s lineup are concerned, they are expected to be offered in conventional gas and diesel mills. An all-new 308 is also on the cards as per sources, but as of now, nothing is confirmed.

Source: Autocar

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